Signs You Need to Replace Your Car’s Brake Pads

Cruising along the highway on a sunny day with windows rolled down and volume up high… what could go wrong?

It’s easy to forget you are sitting inside a massive chunk of steel and glass, hurtling onwards at 60-plus miles per hour. It’s easier to forget one wrong swerve or move can possibly spell disaster for you and your car.

New preliminary data shared by National Safety Council notes as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes last year. The new data showed a 6% increase in crashes from 2015. The NSC further adds 2016 had been the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007.   

Condition of Your Brakes Can Prevent Accidents from Happening

They may not be the sexiest part of your car, but brakes are certainly one of the most important. This means a poor working brake system is detrimental to the life of you and your passengers.

Fortunately, you can easily spot deteriorating brake conditions by paying attention to the following warning signs.   

Reduced Brakes Responsiveness

Ideally your brakes must respond with even the slightest of pressure on the pedal. You have a problem if the brakes aren’t as responsive as they should be or if the pedal sinks towards the floor. Usually this signals a leak in the braking system and should be dealt with immediately.

A leak in the braking system could be an air leak in the brake hose. It could also be a brake fluid leak. How to find out? One sign that indicates a brake fluid leak is the presence of a small puddle of fluid that trickles down when the car is parked.

Brake fluid looks similar to fresh motor oil without the slimy texture.  

Pulling to One Side When Braking

Just noticed your car is pulling to one side when brakes are applied? This could indicate one of the three issues with the car’s brake system.

 Could mean car brakes are maladjusted

 There is brake fluid leakage

 Brakes are worn-out and old

In the first and last possibility’s case, you’ll need to replace the brake system in your car.

Bad Vibrations Felt Throughout the Car

Is the entire car shaking or vibrating when brakes are applied? Or is it only the steering wheel and brake pedal? Either way, you will have to replace the brake rotors as vibrations indicate parts may be warped.  

Have your brakes replaced before it’s too late. Can’t find genuine spare parts of your Volvo s80’s braking system? Visit myswedishparts.com and find the largest collection of new and genuine Volvo car spare parts and accessories.